Senior Hope Welcomes New Board of Directors - Jefferson Award Recipient Brian Barr named Board President 01/23/2013 ALBANY, NY, January 23, 2013 – Senior Hope Counseling, Inc., a not-for-profit non-intensive substance abuse treatment program for seniors 50 years and older and their families, is pleased to announce its 2012 board of directors, including new Board President William Brian Barr. Barr is a retired social worker and substance abuse counselor. He has been a volunteer and activist in the Capital Region for more than 35 years, working closely with such service organizations as the Neighborhood Resource Center, Rotary Club and United Way. Before joining Senior Hope's board as vice president in 2005, he served as Associate Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Prior to that position, he was the clinic and community service director for LaSalle School, a post he held for 28 years. In 2011, Barr was honored by the Jefferson Awards for Public Service at a national recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. where he spoke before volunteer leaders from across the country. The Jefferson Awards – often referred to as the "Nobel Prize for public service" – are a prestigious national recognition system honoring community and public service in America, presented on both national and local levels. The awards program, whose past national honorees include Rosalynn Carter, Colin Powell and Oprah Winfrey, serves as a call to action for volunteers in local communities. The Barr family experienced a deep personal tragedy when they lost their 18-year-old son to suicide in 1984. Since that time, Barr has been a prominent voice in the suicide prevention movement, as one of the first to speak of suicide as a disease. He also recognized the need for specialized treatment and the importance of renewing dignity to those most affected by the loss of a loved one. His work has been published in several venues, including Prevention magazine and the book, One Bite at a Time: Attitude Control in Daily Living. Barr is a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, St. Michaels College and received his masters in social work (MSW) from Boston College. He is also an affiliate member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. The complete listing of Senior Hope's 2012-13 Board of Directors is as follows: Brian Barr, LCSW-R, CASAC (President); Alice Green, Ph.D (Vice President); Alan Lobel, MBA (Treasurer); Karen Lobel, MS (Secretary); Robert Conway, Jr.; Betty Devine, MSW; Rose Golden, LMSW; Alice King, Ph.D; Peter Knapp; Margarita Perez; Cheryl Randall, Esq. Honorary board members include William Rockwood, Ph.D (Senior Hope co-founder), Adrienne Rockwood, MS, EdS (Senior Hope co-founder)and Father Peter Young. Senior Hope Counseling, Inc., licensed by the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, offers compassionate chemical dependence care for seniors 50 years and older and their families, covering prescription, alcohol and drug abuse. Offering treatment plans designed specifically for the senior population, Senior Hope Counseling is the only clinic of its kind in New York State. Services include individual, group and family counseling. For more information on Senior Hope Counseling, please visit www.seniorhope.org or 518.489.7777. See All News Headlines